CLEP bio (Environmental Science)

Order of Water Cycle (Hydrologic Cycle)

Evaporation/transpiration

Condensation

Precipitation (water or solid like snow)

RUNOFF to ocean

PERCOLATION - groundwater to ocean

Water Cycle Contributions

1) “Evens out” distribution of water on earth

2) Helps with nitrogen cycle

3) Phosphorus cycle requires water cycle

Lightning (Nitrogen Cycle)

Energy breaks down nitrogen

Combine with oxygen O2, forming NO2 (nitrogen oxide)

Reacts with water to form nitric acid

Denitrifying Bacteria

Bacteria, called denitrifying bacteria ensure nitrates do not build up in soil, because too many nitrates can be toxic to some organisms

Terms: (for nitrogen cycle)

Ammonium: NH4+

Nitrite: NO2+

Nitrate: NO3-

Nitrogen oxide: NO2